"JASPER!" Mackenzie is screaming. Literally. Walking the tunnels she calls out more than once. Until, finally, she finds him at the 47th Street manhole. Grinning, she places her hands on her hips. "It's sealed."

"I really did a number on him," she woefully admits. "He sent me this video message - he was with another woman. Can you believe that sh-t?!" But Jasper is bringing her attention elsewhere, and Mackenzie is quick to change focus. Just like that, she flips the switch, going from terribly upset to eager and excited.

ďSeize the day!Ē Mackenzie declares, her arms wrapping around his middle as she hugs herself to his side. Jasper could lead. Heís in better shape, mentally. This is the best she could do to prepare for this, at least, after the texts. Ugh, the texts. Those stung.

His question pulls from her a wide, toothy smile. How is she? Mackenzie is dealing, self- medicating after being served by Spring and then again by her hobo. ďIíve been better,Ē she begins, feeling her emotions begin to slip under the influence. Sniffing, she presses her lips together as she considers.

Mackenzie stood inside outside the gate, waiting impatiently for Jasperís arrival. She had arrived just hours before, finding her way to the arrivals board and watching. Waiting. More waiting. Until now. Now, he is arriving.

...With Gray.

Huffing, she glances toward the other as they approach, not at all stalling as she hurries forward and wraps herself around Jasper. She missed him, and she is hopelessly out of her mind. More than one pill has been popped. Itís obvious.

The last thing she wants to do is hang up the phone, but they are running out of options. Neither want to talk about the heart of their issues, and neither desire to be alone. Tonight, miles upon miles apart, they would both face their demons; alone, and together.

ďIíll meet you at the airport,Ē she whispers, already feeling her emotions set in. Itís shared, really, as she knows what Jasper is going through and feels for him strongly. She always has.

Eying the bottle that sits before her on her desk, she makes a grab for it, screwing off the cap as she answers to him. ďLove you too, Jasp. Iíll see you soon, then.Ē

A small smile finds it's way upon her features as Jasper indulges her, and Mackenzie feels guilty for it. But his words quickly wipe it from her lips, and she closes her eyes at his lack of confidence. Swallowing, she lets herself focus on him, rather than the thoughts rattling about in the back of her mind at her own shortcomings.

"Jasp, you didn't fail." Mackenzie would forever dole out advice she is better meant to take herself. "She only ever wanted two things from the people in her life: their loyalty, and happiness. She's a b-tch, but..." Trailing off, she bows her head. Kenz understood Spring more than most might, which is what made that letter hurt even more.

The subject changes, an observation and question posed. Selfishly, she wants him home. They've been inseparable for so long, she can feel his absence.

Jasper's call comes sooner than she would have expected, and Mackenzie stares at the buzzing phone for several seconds before snatching it up in a moment of sheer bravery. Swallowing, she plays his game of soft greetings and softer words.

I don't want to do this.

Sucking in a deep breath, she would murmur quietly to her person, "I know, Dear.." Jasper dives in, and Mackenzie is unseeing as she listens to him narrate Spring's last words to her. There is little recognition for the emotions flitting across her features and blurring her sight. Lips pressed together, Kenz remains silent throughout.

You okay?

"Yea," her lie is delayed, his question taking longer than it should to register in her head. Gaze lifting to skyward, she would proceed to impart on a familiar dance. "I'm more concerned about you."

The bitterness of December was here. Everyone was in their sickening chipper attitudes. The basket is offered forward at the man who is reading a newspaper. Nico looks up at the scruffed man behind the basket. At least there was booze. He could do that. "Ay, just my taste," an English accent smoothly runs out of his mouth. The intimidation from the man does not phase him, but only because two can play that game. Nicolas raises his brows and takes a long pause before nodding. "Well, who could say no to free booze? See you there, I'm sure."
ďWelcome home, Rico! Youíre coming to the party, yeah?Ē Something in his expression reads loudly that he wonít be taking no for an answer.

Turning to face the direction his voice calls from, Fi gives her best smile and nods. She's not one to drink usually as it disrupts her perception, but she may imbibe just once. "I'll be there. Thenk ye, again, f'r all yo'r help."

But first, the girl needs to purchase fish food for 'Ron' and maybe a small gift for Jasper. His thoughtfulness is actually alarming even if it makes her feel weak. Fiona offers a small wave, "See you soon, Jasper."

"Ah've spent much time alone, not speaking to anyone but a few words when necessary. I understand. Still had to give you sh!t for it though." A laugh escapes. "Ah'll try to enunciate more clearly when speakin' to the others and not sound like ah've got rocks in my mouf."

She's curious when he leaves and returns, a soft clinking coming from something he holds heralding his arrival. A growl on his part, the squeak of wood. Fi narrows her eyes trying to grasp a clearer image. Was he nailing cloth into the corners of her furniture? Aw, bless.

"Christmas party?" She's learned what Christmas is over the last eight years but has never experienced it. "Sounds like fun, what should I bring?"

He's very sweet. She almost feels bad for barking at him. Almost. She lazes behind just so she can see his aura in it's fullest and anything that might be in their path. The concrete of the tunnels has been Fiona's biggest obstacle and she's unsure why.

"Ah'm sorry for coming off a bit strong. Being blind, every one thinks you're incapable of things. Normally ah'm not.." It's a hard pill to swallow, being helpless. "And I didn' have much time to speak to Mackenzie last eve."

The door creaks ever so softly and Fiona's hand finds the frame as she passes Jasper's aura. "Thenk ye.." She walks cautiously through the room, a hand out to buffer should she run into anything. Fiona's not had to do this in years and it's humbling. "And no, sir. I appreciate your assistance."

If she had a bed, he would be more than welcome to sit on it but alas, she's blind and so she slept on the cold concrete of the subterranean nightmare after wandering for hours.

She sees his aura moving wildly, hears his exasperated tone. Fiona understands him just fine, it seems he doesn't understand her. So she enunciates.. clearly. "Keep the heid! I am blind not dumb y'dafty." Maybe she should request a name tag from Mackenzie. One that reads, 'Fiona the Blind'. "Thannnk yooou forr the giffft. Is there a room to put it with my things?"

She's minding her own business.. actually she was f-cking sleeping.. when something cold is shoved into her arms. A splash. Her t-shirt is wet. Blue eyes open with a start and the world slowly takes form. So many bright auras against a black backdrop. A small creature darts to and fro. A man. "Ron? Seems'n odd name f'r a f'sh. You 'arry?" She stands, barely, the fish bowl is actually a tich heavy. "Ah guess tha'makes m'Luna." She gazes down once more to the fish bowl. "Thenk ye.. n'er 'ad a fish b'fre."

They amble forward closing the distance by either crawling on all fours or scooting their form awkwardly via their knees. Wide eyes stare up at the demon, and even a slight drop of drool from their mouth. Another baby like coo emits in response when asked if he was alright. No, Levi was in the back of his mind miffed to be possessed by a goddamn baby. Once the baby becomes impatient from being neglected and not collected into the other man's arms. They let out a shriek in the air and start bawling in their spot, ignoring the bystanders around them as they wail loudly holding back up their arms to Jasper.

A brow quirked in question if Jasper's crime but, alas, he had begun to leave before any questions were asked. In response to the man's show of appreciation, Aleister gave him a firm slap on the rear as he passed.

"Careful. Won't always be there to bust you out." And with that, he poofed!

"And the show I provided will be the last." Once again his arms folded infront of him. Unlike Mackenzie, this one wasn't much of a pusher, it seemed. Maybe he was simply testing the waters between them before revealing his true disposition. Nonetheless, Aleister took his display at face value for the time being. "Comfort is hardly an issue. I simply have a certain image I wish to retain and it is certainly not one in a speedo."There was a moment of silence before he continued on. "Besides, I gave them only a sample."

His thoughts on dignity brought a scoff to the man's lips. "I have accepted my past and am gracious for the opportunities that have presented me with a wealthy present. I simply haven't the time. I have a lot of catching up to do." A hand gestured to a desk cluttered with assorted books, papers and peculiar tools some would think to be works of alternative art.

With the man's movement, Aleister moved away from the door so he may exit. A soft chuckle left his lips. "No need to fret. I am hardly the judgmental type." His elbow braced against the wall near the door all the while he watched Jasp make a show of his exit. "Forward is good. too many people beat around the bush. You will hear no complaints from me."

Upon the mention of women's underwear Aleister had to take a moment to process what was being discussed. He gazed downward at the man's example, his eyes glancing back up to the man. Even Al couldn't help but grin a bit. What had he gotten himself into. "You know where to find me."

Aleister crossed his arms across his broad chest, preparing to deny his disregard for the truth when the male's words brought him to a screeching halt. Once calm, blue eyes grew wide in horror as his past profession was spoken out where others could hear! Swiftly, Aleister opened the door to his quarters while his other hang snatched the man's arm, urging him into the room with him. After the two had made it in he slammed the door behind them before turning on his heel to stare at his visitor.

"I was. A long time ago." Would he ever live down the sins of his young adulthood? If Mackenzie was just going to tell the whole coven of his stripper days he never would have offered to be entertainment at her stag party. "Not anymore. I did Mackenzie a favor, that was it."

Al cleared his throat and shook off the panic from his initial response. "You will have to find somebody else. I have dignity now."

"I called you better than pretty, Jasp," instinctively, she moves to adjust the straps that dig into his shoulders. If he's going to wear this, he's going to do it right. "You're a vision, remember?" Satisfied, she glances the picture and grins, immediately sending it off to Camille.

Already since joining the Coven, Aleister had engaged in more social interaction than he cared for. Then again he preferred no interaction at all. Just as he was about to head into his fortress of solitude he was stopped by a Male calling to him. The RBF was strong with him today. With a defeated sigh, Aleister turned to face the man beckoning his attention.

Already Mackenzie's pet name for him had spread like wildfire. He did not mi d, for the most part, though it was odd to hear it from others' mouths. "I suppose it is," he replied nonchalantly. His own blue hues followed the man's actions as he seemed to take down notes about Al's physical appearance. Truthfully, he wasn't curious about what was being written. Then his 'talents' were mentioned and his brows furrowed.

"Talents? Such as...?" Aleister had a creeping suspicion of what Mackenzie may have told the man but denial prohibited him from accepting such facts were exchanged. "Routine? I'm not following."

Snatching the bag quickly, Mackenzie makes a face as she takes her handful and stuffs it in her mouth. These things still make her want to gag, but she is such a fan of the high. Despite the taste, she snaps the picture, swallowing before dropping down to the floor and scooting over to sit beside him. The phone rises in the air, camera aimed right at them, and she presses her lips to his cheek as she snaps the ridiculous selfie. ďHow are the gummies?Ē

Brisk steps bring her around the corner, pull her forward, and stop her right before him as she pockets her phone. Biting down on her lip, Mackenzie looks him over before glancing over his shoulder at someone passing by at the other end of the hall. ďYou put Cam to shame, Jasp. What a vision.Ē Her sights pull back up to him, the corner of her mouth quirking upwards.

Without warning, her phone is retrieved again and the flash lights up space momentarily.

If they had any say, no doubt they would overtake the vessel completely. Leviticus barely grasped the control of his body let alone his mind. If he could just meander away without running into anything, perhaps he could actually enjoy a smoke and a sliver of silence. Instead someone comes into visage that causes them to freeze. This thing that surfaces within him is different on many levels. It wasnít Joan Crawford. It wasnít Elvis. It wasnít Al Capone. Leviticus still felt the shift in their body, as the figure got onto his knees. A whimsical tilt of their head at Jasper with a resounding coo and incoherent babbles of that of a baby. They are frozen in place with eyes full of wonder and silent judgment. Both arms raise up in the air grasping the chilled air.

Small, familiar hands would land upon Jasper's shoulders as she steps up behind him, moving up into his hair as if it is the single greatest thing ever to be felt (it is). A soft laugh would escape Mackenzie, and her hands drop, moving to encircle him as she leans down to whisper. "Hi, Dear."

Mackenzie cannot help the roll of her eyes as he puts on his show. Honestly, itís pathetic. But he does use this quite a bit, and she does realize it will inconvenience him. Itís the smile that saves him.

ď...It can wait.Ē Without a second thought, she reaches for his hand and tugs him back toward their dwelling.

A small grin appears as she turns to face Jasper, sights flickering over him briefly. He isnít sleeping. She can tell. This would be made quick. ďI want to cut off access to certain streets,Ē she points up toward the grate. ďThere are too many ways into our home. I realize you use this often, so how heartbroken would you be if I killed it?Ē

Gray stares at the message, surprise evident. He seriously thinks.. it's fine. It's completely fine. It best to let it go on this way. It would only speed things up and get his partner out of the fire sooner. So, despite the twisting of his gut and the sinking of his heart, Gray sets the phone down.

There is no reservation as he thieves the square, but rather, she takes it right back once he's done. Sharing, after all, is caring. "Lilly's tastes best be met," raising a brow toward him, she puffs away before offering her smoke up once more. "And I require something specific as well."

Smirking, she looks at him pointedly. He opened this can of stripper worms, and he would deliver. "Thanks, Santa."

"Oh, you f-ckin' b-stard," Turning to follow him, she watches as he opens the drawer and peers inside at her mussed up stash. The door is closed behind her, and steps are taking to cross the room. A heavy pillow lifted from the bed before it is launched at the back of Jasper's head. "Pick something. We're going to have fun."

She really had thought she lost it, but Mackenzie simply got lucky when one of their own returned the head to her, her name crudely carved across its clammy forehead. She tosses it by the hair to Jasper as she approaches, a wild grin on her face. There is no time given to contemplate before he is met with a powerful hug just moments after. ďGood morning, Dear!Ē

Groaning, he glances toward the middle aged man at the bar, clearly waiting for his golden ticket that comes in the form of Gray. Sighing, he glances toward his phone again. He's in the doghouse, he knows it.

ďI have no idea,Ē Mackenzie laughs out the words, giving him a squeeze and lifting her head to press a ridiculous kiss to his cheek. This guy. Pulling out of his grasp, she takes his hand and begins to tug at him. ďLetís f-cking gooooooo. Iím starved.Ē A smirk would be passed to the man, and before anything else could be said, she is pulling him along.

Mackenzie grins when she hears him attempt to sing. Poor dear, he really is doing his best. It doesnít much matter, anyway. Heís grabbed her up and is spinning her heels before dipping and turning her. She f-cking loves every second of it. Breathless laughter continues to escape her and she steps forward to wrap him up in a grateful hug. ďI might have. How about lunch, and Netflix? Chill, a bit.Ē Leaning back, she looks up at him with a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Keep trying, dear," Mackenzie grins as she feels the familiar hand attempting her pocket, turning to lean in toward Jasper and lowering her voice to a whisper. "Maybe you'll actually get something, soon."

Gray stares at his phone, mind numb and body rebelling against him. He is on a bender, and each time he begins to sober up, Jasper resurfaces in his mind. Jasper, and the sh-tty things he said to him. This is one of those times.

Those three telling dots would show up on Jasper's phone if he were to look at precisely the right time. Several messages typed and swiftly deleted by Gray; none are good enough. And then, they would disappear.

"To be fair, that isn't an inaccurate word for me...and yes I have shrooms, I know a lot of guys who sell them, but they usually just give them to me after I threaten to toss them from a building." He shrugs and tosses three gallon ziplock baggies to Jasp

Things are awkward. Moscow is cold in more ways than one, and Mackenzie needs nothing more than to keep her mood light. This is why booze was invented, though vodka is not her drink of choice, it seems that is what she gets. But, seeing Jasper walking her way, she bites back a smirk and waits until they are passing to land a resounding slap to his backside before lifting what little cash she can grab.

"I'll text the time too you," she mutters, glancing at her watch before setting about to gather her things. "I love you more, Jasp." She kisses into the phone before hanging up, pocketing her phone as her stony gaze would set about the area for anything she might have left behind.

"Thank f-ck," she mutters, leaning her head into the phone as she continues to hear her best friend speak. Brow raising, she is already feeling feisty. Need to go to Moscow? In her world, that means someone is getting f-cking stomped. "Out with it, Jasp."

Spring is dead.

She stops. Mackenzie is still as a statue for seconds before she turns her head to look at her intended meal. "Hold on just a second..."

There is a ruffle of noise as she sets the phone on the nearest surface, her hand peeling off the man's mouth before she takes his head in her hands. There would be a scream, cut off by a loud snap, followed by a minute of silence before she picks the phone up once again. This is normal, she reminds herself. Completely, utterly normal.

Mackenzie is having the time of her life. When her phone rings, she picks up, pressing it to her ear despite the breathless giggles that are erupting from her endlessly. Who knew murder could be so hilarious? "Jasp, dear, I f-cking miss you so much right now."

And then, he speaks. Her laughter ceases slowly, the tone of his voice catching her. She knows this man. She knows him well. This is not the tone of her sweet, handsome Jasper dear.

Her dinner begins to scream for help, and Mackenzie's hand moves fast to clamp over it, a steady glare aimed at the man. Chewing at her lip, she looks upward, preparing herself for the blow that is to come. "You're breaking up with me, then?"

His phone is chiming, and he cannot quite grasp the concept of talking with these people. He can't. Gray is totally shut down, unwilling to discuss anything. So, with a glance at Jasper, he pushes the phone toward the man before lifting the limp form of Spring. There are things that must be done. "Handle them. Don't tell them. Not yet."

"Oye," Mackenzie looks over her shoulder from where she is, leaning over her desk in attempt to reach something that had fallen between it and the wall. Nevermind doing things the easy way. "...I suppose you're allow that."

Upon his arrival, Mackenzieís squeal of delight over Jasperís presence is perfectly audibly. Her arms would snake around his waist, hugging the man warmly. With a grin, she looks up at him as her hands dip into his back pockets. ďTwo blocks? That was a long two blocks.Ē

Moments later, she would reveal her high dollar theft and wink. ďYou are too good to me.Ē

Setting his phone aside, Gray lets out a groan from his place beside Jasper. The bed is warm, comfortable, but he finds the need to move. Turning onto his side, he would trail kisses along the man's jaw as he speaks. "I'm going to Moscow. Just for a couple days. I just want to fix things with Spring."

Gray opens the door, glaring at the man immediately. He stands there for only a moment before making a grab for Jasperís shirt and pulling him in to wrap him up in his arms, kicking the door closed behind him. ďF-cking *******.Ē

"I mostly just get hangry, myself... though, that can end in a murder spree. Huh. Yeah. I guess it's not just dolphins."-stares off at this sudden realization--brings it back-"It was useless information until now, hm? Now I have a name to the face."-pulls out some cigs--offers-"I live for the radar. Idris Mowbry. My situation is... complicated."

"Now don't say that. I'm sure you got one or more in ya!"-chuckles-"Ah, Jasper Thompson. I remember your name in passing from years ago."-taps his temple-"Memory is like a vault. Mostly for useless knowledge. Did you know dolphin's go on killing sprees when sexually frustrated?"-is socially awkward--but owns it-

Staring at the screen, Gray doesnít know quite what to do. This is a lot. More than a lot. It is heavy, and he feels that weight easily. Feelings donít come easily to the man, and he finds himself quite still as he processes.

Gray waves over his shoulder, bowing his head but not stalling in his step once. He knows this game. Heís aware of it. But that doesnít make it any less bothersome. ďSeemed pretty straight forward to me, Jasper.Ē

"Don't you dare talk about Marky Mark that way," Mackenzie readjusts, turning her glare to the TV. "But... well, you usually have a good nose for that sh-t. I don't think Spring would do it, but she can definitely help..."

Without hesitation, she tugs her phone from her pocket and proceeds to text her twin b-tch. "I am sure she can make some magic happen. This is our good deed for the day, Jasp."

"I try to be culturally relevant..." she mutters, taking the bottle as the opening credits roll. Taking a drink, she tosses him a look before turning her attention. "Besides, you'd just turn on f-cking Transformers."

Smirking at the mention of Gray, she tilts her head back and looks at him. "He doesn't like anyone. He just walks around with a stick up his arse all day, throwing people dirty looks and getting Spring all riled up about latkes. He's washed up, Jasp, and he knows it. It's sad, really."

That electric, icy stare meets Jasper's dark squall as she drinks straight from the bottle. Vodka isn't precisely her cup of tea, but she is feeling different. She wants a change. "What were you doing in the lab? It's a f-cking lab, Jasp. Of course there's going to things. I mean, it takes effort to wake them up, now..."

She follows him inside, closing the door behind her with her foot. Within seconds, she is on the couch and tucking herself against him comfortably. Remote in hand, she navigates the TV until she finds an acceptable chick flick: 10 Things I Hate About You.

"Honestly," she sighs, taking one more sip before passing the bottle off, "I'll go kill them tomorrow. It's fine."

In the safety of Death, Gray Taylor walks through the hall with a gun in hand. He isn't far from his destination. Paces, really. The man is on autopilot, until he sees another walking toward him, going the opposite direction. A set of steel eyes would lock into his, a fiery brew of emotions storming behind them upon recognition. Not a word is spoken before he disappears into the lab.

There's a thing, in a fridge, that must be dealt with. Gray Taylor locks the door behind him.

JasperIt would probably be better in person.His name is Derek.Beautiful, he is.I think he said it is 420 Me St.Or you can send it to the Den in NY.I tend to stay there. A lot.You get settled. Then we drink.Got to catch up with the rude Irish one too.The Redcoat likes if you bite his fingers.Just saying.

ďSo you are to blame for her inability to be loyal? Good to know.Ē The corners of his mouth turn upward into a Cheshire grin, and he steps in just slightly, shameless. His hands are shoved into his pockets, elbows tucked in but relaxed. Gray is taking the bait, on purpose.

But he says nothing. Instead, he merely takes a slightly closer look. The man is interesting, that is for certain. The exact opposite of himself, to be precise. ďWhat makes you special, Jasper?Ē

At the mention of Mackenzie, Gray barely flinches. His opinions of the woman are strong, and he could alienate half the Realm with them. Or, make friends. It all depends on who he is talking to. Heís not judging. Not at all. ďLucky you. Tell me, does she miss her Sanctuary?Ē

ďYou are completely full of sh-t,Ē Gray annunciates clearly, each consonant sounding off softly but directly. He isnít quite sure how this man found his way here, but it doesnít take much to realize that this would be his burden. ďHow did you come to find Spring? Follow my wallet?Ē

There is a telling sigh that escapes Gray as that steady, stormy gaze remains fixed on Jasper. The man is aggressive, and the things heís heard are common, if not irritating. ďGray Taylor,Ē his sights flicker over Jasper briefly. ďAnd you are?Ē

Grinning, she meets his gaze with an equally wicked look and pushes herself to stand, marching over to where her heels wait to be retrieved. It takes seconds to shove them upright and slip her feet into them.

Mackenzie half-tosses the phone to rest upon the surface of the table, watching it slide to a rest before meeting Jasper's gaze. "Julian is the reason Sine Metu fell. You know that? It is his fault." She would never forgive the boy for that. He'd practically slept with the enemy, inviting them in.

Mackenzie is seething. More and more, she is finding the flaws in those she once counted as friends. They would lay their blame on her, but she would turn right around and set the record straight. And so, she would go right into it all. Edward, and how he intentionally drove down standings. The way he declared war, and why. And how, after all that, no one bothered to check in. "It's not loyalty that's dead, Jasp. It's honor."

"Jasp!" Mackenzie hisses as she makes a beeline for the man, bare feet padding heavily with each rushed step. The woman practically vaults the coffee table to get to him, nearly colliding into him haphazardly. "Jasper. Jasp."

It is immediately clear that the weather is stormy with a 95% chance of salt, today. Mackenzie would thrust her phone into his hands as she makes her declaration. "Can you believe the nerve? It's like we never existed? And also sided with my ex-f-cking-husband? And then- Jasper. There is so much... so much..."

You're right. He is going to be pissed.
UV blocking windows aren't cheap...
-Musing costs, still grinning-
-Turns to watch the door-
I've never actually seen him angry.
-Stands and cracks necks-
Challenge, accepted.

Jasp, I love you, but I don't want that on my phone.
-Takes a step back, looks him over-
I never would have guessed you were hairy. Huh.
-Grins-
-Invades his personal space, takes selfie-
How does this Snapchat thing work, again...

ďAm I?Ē Gray casts an amused stare, not moving from where he stands despite the clear challenge presented. A slow, twisted grin would curl the corners of his mouth upward before he finally looks away. Is that a rat tail? ďOr maybe I just know that patience has quite the payoff.Ē